A clear sense of identity—as Lao or Korean, American, or something in between—remains elusive for the participants, as both their evolving self-awareness and external perceptions shape and shift how they understand themselves. Some of the elders identified as American, while others questioned or denied this identity despite having lived in the U.S. for decades. Many felt that no matter how much they identified as American, they continue to be viewed as perpetual foreigners. Building on this, the elders expressed varying levels of discomfort and a lack of belonging across a range of spaces, including public settings, workplaces, and even within their own Lao or Korean communities. They additionally described the challenges of passing down their culture, noting that their children often lost their Lao or Korean heritage as they became more Americanized.
Feelings of loss frequently surfaced during the interviews, as the reality was that returning to or reclaiming what they had left behind in their countries of origin—whether a sense of home, self, or belonging—was no longer possible. Navigating their past, cultural heritage, and evolving American or in-between identities is an ongoing process with no fixed destination for the elders. This fluidity is the essence of living in liminality, existing somewhere between the past and the present, as well as between physical and emotional spaces. Yet, through it all, these elders’ ability to persevere, adapt, and lay the groundwork for future generations reflects their remarkable resilience, quiet strength, and enduring commitment to their families, communities, and life in the United States.
Lao and Korean elders, though deeply connected to their roots, often struggled with the complexities of their identities as immigrants within the multicultural environment of the United States. In addition, they found it challenging to pass down their traditions to their children, who increasingly adopted American customs and drifted away from their ancestral heritage.
“If you forget about your ancestors you get lost.”
Participants felt a strong sense of responsibility to present themselves positively in the context of American society, thereby promoting a favorable image of the Lao or Korean communities. Many Korean elders expressed pride in their American identity while valuing their Korean heritage. Meanwhile, Lao elders grappled with their sense of identity, sometimes further complicated by diverse backgrounds such as Chinese heritage or education outside of Laos.
The awareness of ethnic hierarchies within the Asian community further complicated both Lao and Korean participants’ sense of identity, as they balanced their self-perception with societal views. The elders frequently dealt with being perceived as perpetual foreigners, despite their U.S. citizenship. Many described feeling inferior or unequal, a sentiment reinforced by experiences of discrimination and the lack of recognition as Americans. They noted that Americans often categorized them simply as “Asian” or “Chinese,” either unable or uninterested in recognizing their distinct identities. Many interviewees expressed a sense of resignation in the face of discrimination. Several Korean participants noted that they had anticipated racial biases prior to arriving in the United States.
“I was told that there was a lot of racial discrimination in America. I already got ‘the vaccination shot’ so I wasn’t hugely shocked or offended by it. It still didn’t feel good, though.”
The concept of liminality—the feeling of being caught between two worlds or existing between the past and an uncertain future—resonated deeply with many of the elders. As they shared their stories, feelings of loss frequently emerged, along with the understanding that returning to or reclaiming what they had left behind in their countries of origin—whether a sense of home, self, or belonging—was no longer possible. Navigating these layers of loss and their evolving identities has been, and continues to be, an ongoing and fluid process for the participants. Many felt a persistent sense of not fully belonging, either in their homeland or in the U.S., with their experiences shaped by the constant balancing act of cultural preservation, identity negotiation, and the struggle for recognition within American society. This continuous process, with no fixed resolution, captures the essence of living in liminality. Yet, through it all, these elders’ ability to persevere, adapt, and lay the groundwork for future generations reflects their remarkable resilience, quiet strength, and enduring commitment to their families, communities, and life in the United States.